In Dongfang City on Hainan Island, Bai Cha Village stands as a vibrant testament to the centuries-old traditions of the Li ethnic group.
At the heart of the village are 81 boat-shaped houses istinctive stilted structures whose curved roofs resemble overturned vessels. These houses, part of the national intangible cultural heritage, reflect the Li community’s deep connection to the sea and their architectural ingenuity.
Harmony of Heritage and Modern Growth
In 2025, as Hainan accelerates its transformation into an international free trade port, Bai Cha Village offers a powerful example of how modernization and ethnic culture can thrive together. While nearby highways and resorts reshape the coastline, the village’s wooden homes remain intact, cared for by local artisans who pass down restoration skills to younger generations.
A Living Museum of Li Culture
- Traditional Craftsmanship: Local workshops teach residents to weave bamboo mats and carve wooden beams, ensuring ancestral techniques survive.
- Community Festivals: Each spring, the Boat House Festival invites visitors to join Li dance performances, taste traditional glutinous rice dishes, and learn folk songs.
- Sustainable Tourism: Small-scale guesthouses in restored boat houses offer immersive stays, balancing visitor demand with conservation.
Looking Ahead
With admission to Hainan’s free port zones easing international flows, Bai Cha Village is poised to welcome more global visitors in 2026 and beyond. Stakeholders are exploring digital mapping and VR experiences to share Li heritage worldwide.
As Hainan sails toward a global economic horizon, Bai Cha Village proves that cultural roots can steady modernization’s coursensuring that progress and tradition navigate together into the future.
Reference(s):
Bai Cha Village: Preserving ethnic Li heritage in Hainan's new era
cgtn.com
